Area restaurants donating Thursday proceeds to Stick a Fork in Cancer

With a fresh coat of paint and a restored voice, the Happy Chef Statue outside the restaurant on U.S. 169 in Mankato is greeting customers Thursday for an event that’s been embraced by dozens of local dining establishments – Stick a Fork in Cancer. (Listen here: 20180913 Happy Chef Cancer 1)

There are 28 local restaurants participating in the event, donating a portion of their proceeds to benefit the Jonathan Zierdt Cancer Fund, American Cancer Society, and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.

Happy Chef owner Adrian Swales said it was important for him to participate and support local cancer survivors. “All of the money stays local within the community. It’s not going all over the place,” he said, “We know that it’s going to stay within the community, with the people that are in the Mankato area.”

The first-ever event last year raised more than $27,000 and the goal this year is to top that. Swales said it’s a goal he supports wholeheartedly because, “I feel like every one of us has known someone who has fought cancer and it’s important to be a part of.”

Members of the Minnesota Twins braved the cold and wind with ice fishers out at the Landing on Madison Lake. Pitcher Jose Berios says the winter weather was quite the experience. Fan favorite Eddie Rosario says he’s ready to get back to baseball. The fishing contest was followed by the annual Twins Winter Caravan held…… read more »

Mankato-Beginning at 8 p.m. tonight (Saturday, January 19), Mankato is in a snow emergency until 8 a.m. tomorrow morning (Sunday, January 20). During a snow emergency there is no parking on streets so snow can be removed quickly and efficiently. The only exception is where streets are posted “seasonal no parking” (which only affects a…… read more »

A Mankato woman faces criminal charges after her 2-year-old daughter tumbled out of a moving car while in an unrestrained car seat — which was captured on dashcam video and went viral online. The Blue Earth County Attorney’s office says 39-year-old Maimuna Kunow Hassan faces one gross misdemeanor count of child endangerment, one misdemeanor count of…… read more »

The Twin Rivers Council for the Arts invites you to join Liz Stensland and Brittney Wegener as they present their new sculptural work in Two Friends, a joint exhibition. The artists’ reception takes place on Friday, January 18 from 5-7 pm, and is free and open to the public. There will be light refreshments and…… read more »

VINE is hosting a presentation on the early recognition and treatment of depression. It takes place Jan. 18 from 2:30-4. The presentation is by Dr. Robert Olson from the Mankato Clinic. Dr. Olson will identify the signs and symptoms of depression, risk factors and treatment options. Mike Lagerquist says this is a relevant topic for…… read more »

Snowmobile riders throughout the state would welcome a fresh round of snowfall, but despite less-than-ideal conditions in some areas, they’re hitting lakes and trails with a fervor. In advance of Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week – Jan. 19-27 – the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds snowmobilers of the importance of safe and responsible riding. Minnesota…… read more »

The Blue Earth County Historical Society is hosting a beginning genealogy class. It takes place on Saturday, January 26 from 10-12 at the History Center on Warren Street. Heather Harren says you will gain insight into where to start your journey, as well as a basic overview of many resources that are available for family…… read more »

Kwik Trip has officially opened its eighth location in Mankato. The new one opened Thursday morning. It is located near the intersection of Hoffman Road and Highway 22. It is by Prairie Winds Middle School.… read more »